Octuber 22, 2012. (Romereports.com) The Ratzinger Prize is considered the Nobel of Theology. The honor is awarded by the Joseph Ratzinger Vatican Foundation, to those who contribute to the field of theology.

This year, the prize was awarded to French professor Rémi Brague, who specializes in philosophy of religion. And to American priest, Brian Daley, who specializes in the history of the Church Fathers. The award is personally given by the Pope himself.


BENEDICT XVI
“This year the two winners are competent and committed in two crucial aspects for today's Church: ecumenism and relations with other religions.”

The Pope added that he would actually like to join them in studying some of the key documents of the Second Vatican Council, like 'Nostra Aetate' which deals with non-Christian religions, then 'Unitatis Redintegratio' which addresses ecumenism and 'Dginitatis Humanae' on religious freedom.

BENEDICT XVI
“It will certainly be very interesting, my dear priest and dear professor, to hear your thoughts and your experiences in these fields which play an important part of the Church's dialogue with the contemporary world.”

When it comes to transmitting the faith and even explaining it to the modern world, the Pope said, professors and intellectuals like both winners play an essential role that cannot be underestimated.


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